[Forum Game] The Lion’s Throne

[Deaghaidh]

Clann Deagh


Still waters can't be stopped​

Prominent Deaghs:

Name: Crimthann Deagh, Lord of Stillwater
Stats:
Marshal: 1/6
Diplomacy: 2/6
Administration: 2/6
Intrigue: 5/6
Fighting: 2/6
Influence: 70
Age:28
Heir: Gila-Ruaid (uncle)

Crimthann was inaugurated as the Lord of Stillwater and Chief of Clann Deagh (the two titles being linked) on the death of his uncle (also named Crimthann) three years ago. Fairly quiet and calm, he falls into the long tradition of Stillwater lords who treat the outside world with wary detachment.

Name: Bébhinn Deagh (nee Cruachan), Lady of Stillwater
Age: 20

Bébhinn is the daughter of the chief of Clann Cruachan. Never travelling beyond the Stillwater Fenn, she is content to be the lady of a small, self contained land. She doesn't want the Deagh Clann getting involved in dryland politics.

Name: Finn Deagh
Age:6 months
Finn is Crimthann and Bébhinn's first child. He is a fairly typical baby.

Name: Gila-Ruaid Deagh
Stats:
Marshal: 2/6
Diplomacy: 2/6
Administration: 3/6
Intrigue: 2/6
Fighting: 2/6
Influence: 30

Age: 45

Gila-Ruaid is the younger brother of the late Lord Crimthann and the present lord Crimthann's father. In the tradition of the First Folk, Gila-Ruaid was elected Tanist, the heir of Stillwater, after his nephew's ascension. He has a more hospitable attitude toward the drylanders than most, to the point of fostering his only son to Count Claude of Lazuli. Gila-Ruaid is master of the castle Knappogue

Name: Glenna "Lady Magairlín" Deagh
Age: 25

Glenna is the eldest child of Gila-Ruaid and his late wife lady Gweneth. Always somewhat odd, Glenna grew up pretty but uninterested in the usual pursuits of young ladies. She's happiest wading through the swamps, bogs and marshes, hunting for frogs, mushrooms, and various other 'treasures.' Her nickname "Magairlín" is a reference to a beautiful wild orchid found in the Stillwater Fenn. The flower's name also means 'masculine' a play on its somewhat phallic shape.

Name: Ser Finnegan Deagh, "Ser Frog"
Age: 23

Finnegan was fostered in Lazuli from age 10, and grew up in the chivalric tradition of the dry-landers. He became a fairly accomplished tourney knight, turning the derogatory nickname Ser Frog into a badge of honor. He is somewhat out of place in his native Stillwater. The common people view him with mixed emotions, while reveling in his "knocking those dry-footed buggers on their arse", he's also seen as more than half an outsider himself. His lifestyle is spectacularly ill-suited to life in the Stillwater Fenn, which is indisputably the least suitable part of the kingdom for armored knights, and maintaining his horses, armor, and other necessary trappings of knighthood are burying him in debt.


The Stillwater Fenn

The Fenn is a broad expanse of flat wetlands. Vast bogs, marshes, and swamps are punctuated by wide shallow lakes and islands of comparatively 'dry' uplands. Though there is fairly little land suitable for agriculture, the First Folk have adapted many methods to survive, such as building artificial island villages and floating gardens, hunting frogs and gathering wild plants.

Stillwater Keep:

The seat of Clann Deagh, Stillwater Keep is by far the most impressive and formidable of the castles in the Fenn. Situated in the lake of the same name, Stillwater is built on a large artificial island, or Crannog. Accessible only by flat-bottomed boats, Stillwater's towers rise above the frequent morning fog. Densely packed with buildings, the castle itself is surrounded by a town built on stilts that sprawls outward. Small floating garden rafts produce enough to feed the population with backbreaking labour, but not enough to provide much in the way of a surplus.

Every Midsummer, Stillwater is the site of the Floating Fair, where the people of the Fenn gather to trade, celebrate, and participate in the Gathering. The Derbfine (the population of male clansfolk within five generations of the current lord) decide on the next Tanist and other clan business.

 

[BlackBishop]

An Open Letter to the Lords of Miviean, from Count Sumner of Daggerfall...

Lords of Daggerfall,

How bitter this day is, that swords shall be raised against brothers. For that is what we are, my dear countrymen. Cast off the words written here as the ramblings of an old man, but ramble I must. Know that in the coming months, I will take no pleasure from the deaths sown, and all ready my heart lays heavy in mine chest for what must be done. Some claims to the crown are being pressed, some of Ducal authority, some of the king's own line. Whom do we follow when distant kin and bastards covet the Lion's Crown? I'll tell you, we follow our words.

Honour. Duty. Strength. These words, chanted by the members of my house mean more then mere utterances. They are words that my family live by, the same as the doctrines of the holy book. It is only when living by the triumvirate of these three words does one achieve his full potential. Strength without a sense of honour or duty is to be mindless and brutish. To follow ones duty through strength while maintaining honour is to hold to the very ideals of our way of life. It is for this reason that I declare Daggerfall to follow the oaths of fealty taken to Duke William of Aime. Doubtless, words could be forsaken, but my word is my bond, whether they are the path to victory or defeat. In some small way, I too feel this honours a long ago promise made to a dear friend.

I ask honour and respect doled out to my people you may meet at odds on the battlefields, for I promise you shall receive it from my forces.

A sad day when brother is turned against brother, one I am leaden to face, or Cain and Able has taught me nothing.

God be with you all.

~Sumner of Starborn.

Count Sumner of Starborn, Count of Daggerfall has declared for Duke William of Pilarch!

---

A Sealed Letter to Duke William of Pilarch

---

Duke William,

God bless you. It is with a heavy heart that I write to you and declare my support for your claim. I promised your father I would watch over you, and let this promise honour his memory. I feel it is incumbent upon me to try, pointless though it may be, to dissuade you from the course you are taking. There are others who can claim greater legitimacy to the crown, and very few who offer support to your cause, just though it may be. Strike your banners and declare for your brother, rule Pilarch in contentment and live a long and happy life, with no blood spilled ever to be on your hands. Whatever you decide, I am with you.

I have called my banners, and my forces will be making ready to join yours in the coming months, should my counsel go unheeded.

Yours in loyalty and truth,
~Sumner of Starborn.

---

((Though the contents of the latter letter are confidential, rumours may spread of Sumners lack of conviction in his liege's cause. In the following months, agents are dispatched from Swordstone, arriving in the Crownlands. It soon becomes evident that Count Sumner is conducting an independent investigation into the murder of Cardinal Visran.))

 

[Terraferma]

Grimlock Islands

Grimlock Isles: A visitor…or Invader’s Guide​

Spoiler

Green: Capital City.
Red: Castles/Fortress'
Blue: City
Numerous Blue-Grey: Villages/Towns for the flavor.​

Larger Island

Spoiler

Tiris: The Crown Jewel of the Grimlock Islands. The central authority. Tiris’ humble beginnings began when prospectors arrived in earnest to survey the northern mountains known now as Iron Top Mountain. Though limited in equipment and hampered by terrain, they eventually found that the mountains were rich in minerals, iron in particular. What began as a mere camp dejectedly known as “Beggars Landing” grew into a bustling city and ultimately the island capital rechristened as Tiris, the seat of power for the House of Rowney. The capital is divided into five sections: Trade, Nobility, Divine, Commoner and Martial Districts. The Trade District is where several Bazaars of different specialties are located acting as the commerce hub, its reputation rivaling that of Corte’s Portabello Row. The Nobility District is the home for those of noble birth. The Divine District is known for its great cathedral and neighboring orphanages. The Commoner District is where those not of royal blood are born, raised and die. The Martial District is the headquarters of the island’s military forces both land and sea.

​

Shan: Located South-West of Tiris, the village of Shan lies near the Western Coast acting as a quiet, humble alternative to the bustling avenues of the capital. Despite its reputation for being a relatively tranquil area its citizens have been living in squalor due to the exodus of a significant portion of its population towards other settlements on the island and also in no small part with the promise of better living conditions and nominal wealth that the nearby capital aggressively advocates.


Corte: Located North of the bulge of water known as Dagger Bay, Corte is one of the central fishing hubs for the island while sporting an up and coming confraternity within the newly established bazaar affectionately known as Portabello Row, where anything and everything that a merchant can unload is found.


Roux: Bordering on the formidable patch of forest known as Sky Veil Forest, the town of Roux is known as one of the first wave of settlements constructed in the history of the Grimlock Isles. The town had initially been a central trading hub and even a point of central authority in the early pages of history but after a multitude of raids, occupations and falling victim to the occasional famine its relevance has waned. Despite this the Duke and his predecessor has funneled a modest amount of funds over the years due to a small but fledgling logging business, its lodging potential and for the sake of its noble but battered history.


Samhain: A seemingly mundane, sleepy town located near the mouth of Dagger Bay its wealth comes from seaside commerce, a curious recruitment quarter of the island’s sole mining guild paying large amounts of taxes to both the local authorities and a well-established merchant guild, exploited pleasure houses and last but certainly not least an annual celebration known as the Festival of the Waves. There is also a small following of Pagan worshippers, numbers who have held steady for many years.


Stasia: Known as one of the smallest rural settlements of the Grimlock Isles, it is ringed by palisade walls while nestled atop steep cliffs battered daily by the waves of the sea. This chain of cliffs act as a natural barrier making invasions by sea impossible. Due to its remote location there is a lack of stationed troops while calls for improved defenses have gone unanswered forcing its inhabitants to mostly fend for themselves. Their only source of income is the wool from less than two dozen sheep and poultry amounts of fertile farmland.


Belamir: Located south of Dagger Bay, the town has been a long standing waypoint for newcomers that wish to venture in the southern areas of the island. Calls for the expansion of its local territory are growing due to the lodging section of the settlement nearing full capacity due to a sudden influx of locals and foreigners alike.


Samsire Fortress: The first of two castle forts, constructed a little over a decade ago it serves as the first line of defense for much of the island functioning as the gateway towards Tiris.

​

Smaller Island

Spoiler

Vandia: The second largest city after the capital while being the largest on its respective island. Some call it “Little Tiris” despite its differing history. Also known for its vibrant populace.

​

Eagle Eye Fortress: Perched high on the rocky terrain it’s known for its excellent vantage point giving a field of vision which encompasses most of the island and much of the sea. Its construction was completed only three years ago and manned by a modest amount of forces.

​

Golyat & Coritanae: Small fishing villages on opposite ends of the smaller isle of the Grimlock Islands.

Storm Shire: Small community just north of Coritanae known for its hardy residents and religious zealotry.

House Rowney

Spoiler

Courage. Honor. Temperance.
​

Name: Count Loudamere Rowney
Age: 30
Dynasty: Rowney
Heir: Aurelius Rowney (Age 8)
Children: Aurelius Rowney (Age 8), Stephen Rowney (Age 3)
Orientation: Administration
Location: Province #3, Grimlock Isles (If that isn't too much trouble)
Bio: The only son of a modest merchant family, Loudamere Rowney inherited the fortunes of his father’s work and improved upon it expanding the influence of the burgeoning dynasty. Moving beyond the largest of the two islands eventually securing total control of what are now known as the Grimlock Isles. It had been three years since the expansion and establishment of his dominion, thus far his administrative skills have brought better than expected wealth to the islands and its people, however, his eyes look East in anticipation to what the mainland will bring.

 

[m.equitum]

To the Comte of Lydes​

Most Honourable Count,

The famed beauty of Lady Marie has already attracted many suitors, amongst whom you will find my good brother, Count David, as eager as ever to attain the hand of your fair and noble daughter. It is, indeed, a lucky thing for a recently ennobled house to attract the attention of families as old as the Sommets and van Maylfwicks. Such is the power of a beautiful daughter that men who would otherwise engender a supercilious disposition towards a newly titled family instead write charming letters and offer the warm embrace of the otherwise cold Establishment.

I am myself a younger son who, having come by strange circumstance to succeed to the recently created title of Marquis of the Upper Plait, would have become the favourite subject of contempt amongst the noble families had it not been for the eminent lineage of the House of Sommet that has safeguarded me from the almost customary pomposity with which the established houses greet new members of the courtly circle.

It is a peculiar thing for a second-son, even of an ancient and eminent house, to succeed to anything, let alone a prosperous county. It is, I suspect, equally atypical for an otherwise elegant young woman, such as the Lady Anne, to fail to attract the attention of eligible bachelors on account of her vivacious elder sister. It is thus, on the subject of the Lady Anne that I send this letter.

Though the young Anne may lack the worldly intelligence of Lady Marie, there is something to be said for her maiden innocence that some may find a worthwhile, indeed desirable, attribute in a wife. Just as there is wisdom in age, there is virtue in youth, and amongst the youthful, Lady Anne is of certain purity and goodness. As you have by now imagined, I write this letter to express to you, her father, my interest in seeking a betrothal to the Lady Anne.

Whereas the common people can happily converse with one another and arrange their lives according to emotions such as love, the nobility—for all our money, titles and ancestry—cannot do the same. The customs of our kingdom are such that Anne and I can hardly get to know one another without giving rise to rumours that invariable draw her unblemished character into disrepute. As such, I cannot profess my love for your daughter, but can say from what I have heard of her, that she seems a lovely lady. It is, I imagine, quite usual for a father to be reluctant to give his youngest daughter away in marriage, and the doting affection that has been shown to the young Anne makes it all the more difficult. Should you refuse this suit, I shall understand.

Nevertheless, I have given considerable thought to her comfort; such a young girl, far from her childhood home… The sea breeze of Lydes is very different from the alpine air of the Upper Plait. The best replication of her coastal home I can offer is a chateau along the banks of Lake Abigail. A poor imitation, I agree, but a home where I believe she can find both the contentment and happiness that has been so very much a part of her upbringing in Lydes.

Alistair Sommet,
Marquis of the Upper Plait

 

[iisbroke]

Name: Jager Falco
Age: 24
Dynasty: Falco
Heir: Maarten Falco
Children: Maarten Falco [male(3)], Sterre Falco [female(1)]
Orientation: Strategy
Location: Zaan province 2 http://i.imgur.com/nU0Yqa2.png
1)Red Circle = Capital/ Falcon's Watch
2)Maroon Diamond = Town/ Zaaniton
3)Gray Square = Castle/ Anchorage
4)Brown Square = Castle/ The Cross
5)Black Square = Castle/ Fort Hedrik

Motto:Beware my talons.​

Background:
The backwater province of Zaan is just a small grouping of islands formed around a large flooded crater called 'The Cauldron.' The Falco dynasty came about eighty years ago. A landless knight by the name of Hedrik of Bern happened upon a noble being assailed by bandits. Many of the noble's guards had been felled by arrows in the initial surprise. Hedrik could not let someone fall prey to those fiends and charged forth. His sudden joining to the fray confused the bandits and they fled, assuming a larger entourage had come. It turned out the noble was a prince, in gratitude he offered Hedrik the small province of Zaan as a gift, elevating him from landless knight to noble. Instead of using his given surname he took the name of the keep that served as his home calling his dynasty Falco, or falcon.

 

[iisbroke]

Zaan
County in the Duchy of the Shield​

The county of Zaan is three islands serving as peaks to the rim of an underwater volcanic crater, that formed who knows how long ago, "the cauldron bubbles" is a saying on the three islands meant to symbolize bad omens.The islands are mainly rocky but still have sparse areas of vegetation. The main food source is fish, especially with the crator acting as an adjacent deep sea fishing zone. Being apart of the shield, the island chain that makes up Zaan, Grimlock, and Neidervisse, it has seen far amounts of raids in the past. The shield itself is known for its small but high quality navy, a necessity from having little wood, and large demand for commerce and war. Despite the lack in resources that a mainland county would possess there is one advantage, defense. There are very few points where someone could land more than 300 men at a time, all of these either have a natural defense, or one of the count's settlements are there. The cauldron acts as an inner ring where supplies and reinforcements from the other islands can be ferried quickly, the best strategy would be dividing one's forces to siege and blockade each island simultaneously.

Zaaniton is the oldest settlement in the county. It was formed early on as a fishing village, steadily growing with the county's influence over the rest of the shield. Due to the Zaaniton island's land constraints the town has built up more than most. Five story buildings create squalor, but to expand out would reduce the little cropland they possess.

The Anchorage is the newest addition to the county, built two centuries ago. Its purpose is to assist in guarding the southern entrances in to the cauldron. This has a simple design, four stone walls, on an elevated plane, and narrow bridge to gate. The only buildings are the barracks, three towers, a gatehouse, chapel, and jailhouse. Despite the less than grandiose appearance it is well placed at the center of its island. Troops can be sent to either far tip of the island, and arrive at the same time.

The Cross is a castle with a peculiar design because it wasn't always a Castle. Once it was a monastery that sat at an important junction south of Falcon's Watch. Regrettably during the last war it was ransacked and a fire gutted the cathedral. When the clergy decided against moving back in the Falco's bought it and retrofitted thick curtain walls, rounded towers, and turned the ruined cathedral into a keep. A small chapel rests in the castle were the alter once stood.

On the northern tip of the main island lies Fort Hedrik. A small rock meant to give defense to guard the northern passage into the cauldron. A major port is situated there, used mainly by fishers, tolled merchants, and people being ferried between Zaaniton island and the main one. Due to its position the fort's garrison is used to police northern Zaaniton and the land north of Falcon's Watch.

Falcon's Watch, named for having an inordinate amount of falcon nests on the nearby cliffs, is the most fortified castle in the county. A castle town acts as the harbor and is surrounded by a stone curtain wall which connects to the castle. Entrance requires crossing a bridge which must go through several iron gates, at the gate house. Instead of that being the end the bridge continues several meters past the largest towers of the castle, before it ends at the courtyard. This design is due to the castle itself being on a small acropolis which has been chiseled, built around, and had a myriad of levels carved into it.

 

[BlackBishop]

A letter, bearing the seal of House Starborn arrives in Artageth...

Count Peregrine of Artageth,

God bless you in a time when blessings are needed. Dark are the waning days of winter and a spring that offers no respite. Too long has it been since last we met face to face, and longer still I fear with what besets us. Our liege presses his claim to the crown and we are honour-bound to follow. Tell me, lord of Artageth, do you plan to follow your oaths, or forsake them. Either, I would understand, though I fret that we will soon call each other enemies. I am truly vexed. Tell me, I beg, that my concerns are unfounded. Tell me that I fret needlessly. Tell me that I may still call you friend.

~Sumner of Starborn.

((The contents of the letter are known only Sumner and Peregrine, though whispers from sources close to Sumner state that the Count worries that Artageth will not follow Duke William.))

 

[baboushreturns]

Edelwick declares itself in support of Prince Edward.

 

[99KingHigh]

((Any openings left?))

 

[baboushreturns]

((No landed ones though you could be an unlanded noble.))

 

[Dadarian]

The Marche Mont Blanc


Dramatis personæ​

Spoiler

The de la Mont Blanc Family

Spoiler

Lord Louis III Gardiner de la Mont Blanc

Spoiler

Full Title: Lord Louis III Gardnier de la Mont Blanc, Count of Fleurs and Marquis of the White Mountain
Age: 42
Dynasty: de la Mont Blanc
Wife: Lady Rose la Garrier, Countess of Fleurs and Marquess of the White Mountain
Children: Louis (22), Henri (20), Basile (15), Léopold (10), Alphonse (4), Louise (1)
Orientation: Administration
Location: The Marche Mont Blanc
Bio: Born of the old and aristocratic de Mont Blanc family, Louis rules with an iron fist. Forgotten on the coast and given extraordinary powers as a Marquess, Louis is essentially the main source of authority in all of Marche Mont Blanc. With the death of King Henri III and the beginning of the succession war, Louis retains his small amount of troops in reserve, giving no hint of who he supports.

Prince Louis Bloise de la Mont Blanc

Spoiler

Full Title: Prince Louis Bloise de la Mont Blanc, Heir to the County of Fleurs and March of the White Mountain
Age: 22
Dynasty: de la Mont Blanc
Wife: Princess Danielle Vanier-Heren
Children: Louis (4), Ivonne (1)
Orientation: Administration
Location: The Marche Mont Blanc
Bio: Eldest son of the Lord Mont Blanc, Louis is a stern and cold man who was raised in his father's dour ways. Louis is being taught in the administrative arts by the Mayor of the Ville de Fleurs in the White Mountains. Louis understands the gravity of being the heir of the Marche.

Prince Henri Richard de la Mont Blanc

Spoiler

Full Title: Prince Henri Richard de la Mont Blanc
Age: 20
Dynasty: de la Mont Blanc
Wife: Princess Isabel de Verne
Children: Phillip (2)
Orientation: Strategy
Location: The Marche Mont Blanc
Bio: Second son of the Lord Mont Blanc, Louis is a youthful and energetic man who is forever optimistic in spite of his father's dour ways. Henri is being taught in the martial arts by the Castellion of Castle Mont Blanc in the White Mountains. Henri .

Persons of Interest

Spoiler

Sir Leon de Vervé, Vidame de Vervé

Baron Charles le Manier, Castellion de Castle Mont Blanc

Baron André Boulliere, Lord of the Tour de la Cloche Barony

 

[Spectre17]

Name: Louis Orléans, Count of Carillion
Age: 47
Dynasty: Orléans
Heir: Charles Orléans (Brother, 41)
Family: Charles Orléans (Brother, 41), Amalia Orléans (Sister, 29), Henri Orléans (Nephew, 17), Catherine Orléans (Niece, 17), Richard Orléans (Nephew, 14)
Marshal: 1/6
Diplomacy: 1/6
Administration: 4/6
Intrigue: 3/6
Fighting: 2/6
Influence: 70
Location: Château de Carillion
Biography: Eldest child of Count Philippe Orléans of Carillion Louis was trained for war from an early age. however he always preferred the more diplomatic and administrative lessons to those of war. While he remained in Carillion with his father his brother Charles rode with King Henri, at hunt and then later at war. Upon Count Philippe's death Louis became Count and spent most of his time administering the various holdings of his family, possibly the only task where he performed better then his brother. Concentrated on the administration of his lands Louis never married and his heir remains his brother who will likely be the next Count of Carillion. When the King died Charles rushed back to his brother's base in Carillion where Louis assembled his troops but decided to wait until the last possible moment before raising the levies and taking them away from their farms.

After gathering the main army Louis ordered the army to march north to assemble with the Remache Army of Lydes at Nemour before marching back south to Arans. After this he returned to Carillion for the wedding of his niece and Léon Remache. During the wedding his brother, Charles, Marquis of Orléans and a good friend of King Edward V convinced the Count to support Prince Edward against his own liege. Giving command of the combined Remache-Orléans army to his brother Louis followed his army and joined it with his reserve forces after the defeat of the main Guerrin Army.

Name: Charles Orléans, Marquis of Orléans, Baron of the King's Court
Age: 41
Marshal: 4/6
Diplomacy: 3/6
Administration: 3/6
Intrigue: 5/6
Fighting: 3/6
Influence: 50
Biography: Second and youngest son of Count Philippe Orléans Charles trained for war and battle from an early age. While his brother was prepared for administering a County Charles was allowed to roam free after his lessons. Rather then grow wild he thrived however he quickly grew bored of the other children at Carillion and escaped from the Castle one night riding towards the city of Larinan. Evading the Guardsmen sent out by his father he reached the city and stayed for a few weeks before riding north. After a long chase the Count's Guards finally caught him just south of the city of Orléans. After being brought back to Carillion Charles escaped yet again, this time headed for the Barasin Plain to the east. Riding through the rich farmlands Charles made a significant amount of money through various unpleasant methods however he was never caught and reached the castle of Sainte-Parasin before again being apprehended by his father's Guards. Deciding his son needed some measure of discipline and realizing that he could be a valuable asset in the capital Count Philippe ordered his son to travel to Calme.

Fighting and hunting alongside the King Charles quickly became one of his greatest friends and fought alongside the King in the battle against the Empire. Amongst Henri's sons he preferred Edward over his brother and accompanied him when he left the capital. Upon his return Charles managed to foil several plots against the Prince's life although the culprits were never found. Upon the death of King Henri Charles departed the Capital and urged his brother to take up arms on behalf of Prince Edward. However with his Liege declaring himself King Louis is faced with a dilemma that could result in the death of many of his people.

Name: Amalia Orléans, Baroness of the King's Court
Age: 29
Biography: The youngest child and only daughter of Count Philippe Orléans, Amalia was doted on by her parents and after the death of her father her brother, Louis and as such has no real understanding of life for the peasantry. She did however have some of the best tutors in the Kingdom and trained under the tutelage of her brother in the art of managing coins. As such she is skilled in managing the finances of an estate and has been assisting her brother manage Carillion recently.

After finishing her studies in Carillion Amalia was sent by her elder brother, her father having died when she was only 13, to Calme under the protection of her other brother, Charles. Her unusual beauty, skill at dancing and socializing generally have seen her thrive in the environment of the Capital after being introduced by her dashing brother. When the King began to fall ill Charles sent Amalia and his children and wife back to Carillion under the protection of his eldest son Henri. The group arrived just before news of the King's death arrived and about a week before Charles. While Count Louis has respected his sister's wish to remain unmarried up to this point, the need to forge alliances may mean that the Baroness of the King's Court may be forced to wed another Lord of the Kingdom, if only to safeguard her family's interests.

Name: Henri Orléans, Marquis of Ladrilon, Baron of the King's Court
Age: 17
Biography: The eldest son and Heir to Charles, Marquis of Orléans as well as twin brother of Catherine, Henri was named after the King who was his father's best friend. Born in the capital he has spent most of his life in the city of Calme and is friends with many of the other noble children in the city. Trained by his father in most matters Henri has followed his father in fleeing the King's Palace to explore the city many times. After completing his studies Henri traveled across the Kingdom visiting every major castle and city from Daggerfall to the Marche Mont Blanc. He also served in the garrison along the Cowen border fighting off multiple incursions from the city-states. He returned to the capital only a few months before the death of King Henri just prior to which he returned, along with his siblings and Aunt to Carillion where he toured the County, ensuring all was ready for war that may be the first to come to the County in decades.

Name: Catherine Orléans
Age: 17
Biography: Eldest daughter of Charles Orléans and twin sister of Henri Catherine was born shortly after her brother in the Capital City of Calme. Tutored by her father and aunt she has her aunt's looks and skill at dancing and socializing with the upper echelons of Mivian nobility. After completing her tutelage she traveled alongside her brother around the Kingdom during which she met nearly every noble of importance in Mivian. Unlike her aunt however Catherine has a far better knowledge of the poverty in which most of the peasantry live and the comparative splendor enjoyed by the Upper Class. Alongside the rest of her family she recently returned to Carillion ahead of the death of King Henri and possible civil war.

Name: Richard Orléans, Marquis of Arans
Age: 14
Biography: Youngest child of Charles Orléans Richard, unlike his siblings was born in the Count's Castle at Carillion and has lived near half of his life in the County keeping his uncle, Count Louis, company. The other half he has spent under his father's tutelage in Calme. Upon the death of King Henri Richard had been living in Carillion for around 5 months, a precaution taken by his father due to the precarious state of the succession.

The County of Carillion

The County of Carillion is one of the most fertile in the Kingdom of Mivian with the central depression between the Mountains that surround it on three sides being the main food production area. Along the coast farms are nearly as dense but due to the more limited amount of space overall production is lower. The Barasin plain used to be surrounded on all four sides by mountain ranges however all that remains of the smaller South-Western range is a ridge line that runs from the Larasin mountains in the north-west to the Ladrilon mountains in the South. In the center of the plain lies the city of Barasin, mainly a market city where the nearby villages sell there produce and has a population of approximately 150,000 people although that swells significantly during the market season when thousands of people come from most of the villages to sell their produce. Along the ridge line the castles of Arans and Sainte-Pasarin, situated at high points along the ridge, were constructed to defend the Barasin Plain from attack from the south-west, which remains it's most vulnerable point while the castle of Ladrilon holds the Ladrilon Mountain range for which it is named.

Along the coast the cities of Orléans in the north-west through which most of the produce from the south comes has an approximate population of 200,000 people. Laranin in the south-east is the smallest of the three major cities with only 100,000 people and it is a smaller port which exports mainly to the north of Mivian. Meanwhile slightly inland from Laranin is the largest castle in Carillion. The Château de Carillion is the seat of the Count as well as the only point through the Laranin Pass which cuts through the small gap between the Carillion and Ladrilon Mountains. The Castle itself is situated on a hill with it's back to a sheer drop meaning a rear assault on the Count's Keep is all but impossible. At the base of the hill the town of Carillion is situated with a population of approximately 10,000. Directly opposite the central Château lies the Spear Mountain, named after it's shape that of a spear point aimed at the sky, it's shape and the sheerness of it's cliffs makes it almost impossible to climb. The town itself is protected by two lines of high stone walls with towers at intervening intervals. The walls run from Carillion Hill to Spear Mountain effectively blocking the gap between the mountains and ensuring that any assault must come against the walls while the Castle itself will act as a last line of defence.

 

[LatinKaiser]

((No landed ones though you could be an unlanded noble.))

((Unlanded nobles are the best! ))

 

[jeeshadow]

A letter with the Seal of Artageth, in reply to Starborn

Count Sumner,

We are in a dire situation. William lacks in support, and would probably not prove to be a very capable King. Furthermore, in our north Temeria has lay claim to the throne, sealing us of from the rest of the Kingdom. Edward is gaining quickly in strength, especially with the support of the prosperous south. We appear to be in a most troubling position. Furthermore, I doubt the ability of my county to support a long war, as we have limited income, and a minimal treasury. There is little chance we can fight a full war, and as such, I am at a lack of what to do.

-Your Friend,
Peregrine

((Naturally, only Peregrine and Sumner know the contents of this letter))

 

[BlackBishop]

Count Sumner,

We are in a dire situation. William lacks in support, and would probably not prove to be a very capable King. Furthermore, in our north Temeria has lay claim to the throne, sealing us of from the rest of the Kingdom. Edward is gaining quickly in strength, especially with the support of the prosperous south. We appear to be in a most troubling position. Furthermore, I doubt the ability of my county to support a long war, as we have limited income, and a minimal treasury. There is little chance we can fight a full war, and as such, I am at a lack of what to do.

-Your Friend,
Peregrine

Count Peregrine,

Let us meet and discuss the future of Pilarch, and possible avenues to be taken. I am old and not fit for travel, but extend full guest rights to you if you would make the journey to Swordstone. Come as a guest to my hall, and let us give candid counsel to each other in these dark times. I do not trust such words to parchment and raven.

Yours in friendship,
~Sumner of Starborn.

 

[baboushreturns]

The City of Edelewick a History

Named after it's prosperous capital Edelwick is one of the wealthiest provinces in the kingdom it is very much the heart of trade politics and intrigue in the south. The City of Edelwick long ruled by the Dunstan family has prospered over the years both from an efficient handling of the city at the hands of it's rulers and it's geography. The cities location at the headwaters of the Plait River were it meets Traders Bay has made Edelwick a perfect resting stop for merchants bringing their goods downstream and to market. And has allowed the merchants of Edelwick to travel upstream to the Empire and beyond to bring their goods to market. Beyond that the city and it's surroundings are blessed with a rich fertile soil perfect for the cultivation of grapes as well as olives. Due to this the cities merchants excel in the creation of fine wines sold all across the known world. The city itself is split into three distinct districts, Uptown where the merchant houses and nobles of the city live and were the Duke resides. Midtown a place inhabited by fruit vendors, clergymen and store owners it is the home of most of the cities residents. And low town home of the cartels, river pirates and smuggling rings who prey on the innocents. The city itself has an extremely diverse population. With the nobility mostly being natives of the area the working class is almost half Adeiveilian and Aruthian with the rest being locals. Although the city is most well known for it's wine Edelwick is also known as the site of the best whore houses in the kingdom aside from the ones in the capital. In conclusion it is a city worth note the Jewel of the South will be remembered for ages to come.

 

[Terraferma]

The Count of Rowney was literally in the middle of a heated discussion among the heads of various trade guilds when a messenger arrived. The messenger had brought word of the events that took place on the mainland which sadly were trickling in slowly due to the storms in and around the island in the last several days. Unaware of the stance of the Duchy of the Shield as a whole and even doubting the other islands are even aware of the traveling missive Loudamere ended the debate abruptly and bid the gentlemen good bye without a second thought.

To the heads of House Falco and House Lauret,

There appears to be a coming crisis on the mainland and for this I write with much haste, I have just received word that with the death of King Henry III and the subsequent assassination of The Cardinal whose knowledge of the rightful heir lost on his very lips there are as current three claimants to the throne unless I am mistaken. What is the stance of the County of Zaan and the Duchy of the Shield as a whole? Each claimant no doubt has at least some support though the exact Duchies and vassals committing to one side or another is not entirely clear. The messenger said there are rumors that Duke William, the younger son of King Henry III, has about as much support as his older brother Duke Edward if not more. Though I cannot confirm this, I know for certain that the third claimant is Duke Michael Guerrin of Temeria. I eagerly await response and hope that the weather clears up here in the Grimlock Isles. I hope these storms are not as foreboding as I fear they might be.

Respectfully,

Count Loudamere Rowney

 

[Tapscott]

The Bishopric of Mellions

Righteous and True​

Name: Bishop Hector Roux of Mellions

Age: 59

Dynasty: Roux

Heir: Brother Gaspard Vauclain

Children: None

Orientation: Diplomacy

Location: Mellions (Province #9)

Bio: Born into a minor noble family, Hector Roux was earmarked for a career in the Church at a young age, due to his being the fourth, and youngest, of four children, all of whom were sons. Hector has pursued a long-time policy of peace and humble piousness which has earnt him the respect of his spiritually focused colleagues, and the scorn of his peers whose eyes are set firmly on the material world. With the advent of the Civil War, Hector pleads for the Church to remain above the squabbles for the Crown, and has made no secret of his intent to declare a stance of armed neutrality.

---

Province Info: The capital of Mellions is the coastal city of Thimbé, with small towns scattered throughout the rest of the province. As Mellions has long been a Church-dominated province, there is a notable lack of large castles or fortresses, with the numerous towns having rather ramshackle defences.

 

[desertfalcon]

The Lord of Aksarben is troubled by the recent death of the king and at this moment feels that neutrality is the best course of action. While any hostile action towards Aksarben will be met with armed resistance, the Lord of Aksarben sees no benefit from joining this war earlier than necessary. Foreign armies will be granted right of passage along the borderland areas, however if a fight breaks out between two foreign armies on our land, we will take it as an act of war and side with the defender. While the county of Aksarben may be used as a refuge for war, it shall not be an indefinite sanctuary for armies currently fighting in the war. If any army attempts to use our protection to launch raids in a neighboring county we will revoke any guarantee of protected travel, however we will not engage the army unless they pose a threat to our homeland. Any lord who loses his army or county is free to seek sanctuary in Aksarben.

 

[Plutonium95]

The room was built around a colossal granite fireplace behind the desk, bookshelves filled the walls wherever there weren’t paintings that the count had commissioned, and fine rugs from the city states covered the floor. The only other furniture was two simple yet well-crafted chairs in front of the desk. Count Richard was leafing idly through a tax ledger as the morning sun poured across the harbor and into the room, trying to bring himself to focus on it when the thick mahogany doors to his offices opened and René stepped into the room. He was a young man with cunning eyes and a quick smile, dressed in bright silks and cottons.

“My lord, a letter, er well, several letters have just arrived for you.” René closed the doors behind him and began the long walk across the marble floors to the count’s massive desk. “Letters from the Duke of Hemritch and the Count of the Lower Plait arrived late last night, and another from the Marquis of the Upper Plait only this morning. If I might say so monsieur, you seem to have become quite popular amongst the nobility all of a sudden.” The servant laughed slightly at his own joke as he looked around the room, wondering if the count had really read all the books that lined the walls.

“You don’t really know that René, all the letters could be asking for my head. If they are I could do without any ‘popularity’.” As he spoke Richard took the envelopes and began inspecting the seals. He wondered if they might be all just be requests to support Cowen rather than his lord, the duke of Temeria in the upcoming conflict. He sighed without realizing it as he opened the letter from Hemritch first and read it quickly.

“’…and you are fully within your rights to decline’.” He looked up at the servant with a grin on his face. “Did you know that René? That the duke of Hemritch cannot force me to marry off my daughter? I’m glad he saw fit to tell me.” The count placed the letter down on the desk and began opening the letter from the elder Sommet brother. “Still, it is good to see that some nobles in this realm are interested in wedding Marie, I had feared with her reputation and her decision to attend university she wouldn’t be receiving any of these requests.”

René nodded, a small smile on his lips. “As you say my lord, but you should remember that when they speak of her reputation, they never fail to mention her beauty. Not to mention, a wife trained in bookkeeping, medicine, and rhetoric is hardly the worst thing a man could have.”

“Perhaps.” Richard read through David Sommet’s letter, and as he did his eyes widened with surprise. “Huh, perhaps nothing, it seems you are quite right. Count David Sommet would see her as his wife as well. The threat of war must make people eager to secure their lineage I suppose.” He held up the last letter, from the count of the Upper Plait, to René. “Take a guess, is this another request for Marie’s hand, or might we get some actual business today?”

The young man laughed and shrugged his shoulders. “Marriage amongst the nobility is business, surely you know that. I suspect the marquis would not make an offer against his own brother though, so I would have to guess that it’s a request for increased trade or something of the sort. Or perhaps one of them does wish for your head still.”

As he spoke, Richard read through the letter, taking a bit longer than the previous two. He nearly exploded with laughter when he finished, leaning back in his chair and covering his face with his hand. “Oh, I’m sorry my boy, you were wrong. It seems he wishes to marry Anne. Truly, it’s as if the world has only just heard of the Remache family in this past week and suddenly they have become enamored with us.” The count took a few deep breaths to compose himself. “I must say though, the young marquis’s letter is by far the most brilliant, complimentary but not overly so, quick to assuage any concerns I may have, very well written, he certainly seems a good fit for Anne if this is any indication.”

“I am glad my lord, Anne deserves a lord that will truly care for her.” A look of longing flashed across the servant’s face before being replaced by one of amusement in an instant. “I daresay I would be forced to steal her away in the night if she were to be married to one like Claude the fat.”

“You needn’t worry about that. I’m not quite so desperate just to see either of my daughters married. That will be all for now, thank you.” He waved a hand to indicate that René could leave before pulling three envelopes from his desk to prepare his replies. The decision had been fairly easy for him, the count of the Lower Plait already had children by another wife, and while he had wealth, any trade from Lydes to Coalton would need to pass through other counties anyway. More than that though, he knew Anne was eager to marry, and the marquis seemed a perfect choice for her, but there was no sense in marrying both daughters into the same family. And with that in mind he began writing.

To the Honorable Duke Edwin of Hemritch​

I would caution you not to worry so much about your son’s age. Both of my sons are older than he and remain unmarried, but they all still have plenty of time. But who am I to say what you worries should be.

I must confess, I was not expecting to receive any kind of marriage proposal, certainly not while the realm is on the brink of civil war, but perhaps it is that threat that prompts this. At any rate, I believe that a marriage between our two children can only serve to strengthen the ties between our lands. I must inform you that Marie is currently attending the University in Calne with her brother Nicolas. I shall write to her soon to inform her of the news, but it will likely take some time for her to return.

In the meantime, I will arrange for a dowry to be sent to Hyliton along with this letter.

Richard Remache, Comte of Lydes​

To the Noble Alistair Sommet, Marquis of the Upper Plait​

In your letter you mentioned your luck at having inherited a prosperous county as a second son, but I say that you were done a disservice. If the eloquence of you letter is anything to go by I suspect you would have owned half the world as a merchant or banker, risen to the rank of patriarch if you entered the clergy, or attainted any number of impressive feats, if only you were not shackled to a single piece of land. But perhaps now is not the time for so much flattery.

While you are right that we might not be able to marry for love, I cannot help but feel that you are a fine fit for my daughter. As of late she has several times made a point to ask me if I have found someone for her to wed, but each time I have had to tell her no as I was unable to find someone worthy of her. I am pleased to see that I can finally tell her she will be betrothed.

With this letter I am also sending Anne’s dowry, which I hope finds you in good health.

Richard Remache, Comte of Lydes​

To the Honorable David Sommet, Count of the Lower Plait​

​

I hope that this letter finds you well. I greatly appreciate your kind words towards my daughter and your request to marry her, but I am afraid that I must decline. I hope that the bonds between our families continue to strengthen over time, but I must also think of my daughter and what is best for her on a more personal level as well. Know that this is not a comment on you or your character, and please accept my sincere apology.

Richard Remache, Comte of Lydes​

----

((250 Sovereigns will be sent to Jako as Marie's dowry, and 250 Sovereigns will be sent to Magister as Anne's dowry.))